[TomS]

David, Pittsburgh is a great town and would be a great spot for a rave.  Hotels and restaurants are reasonable and there are lots of fun places to hang out and have  fun.  I miss going to the South Side and visiting the bars on Carson Street.  Haven't been there in a couple years, and my memory is foggy but Pittsburgh is a fun place to visit. 

If you guys think prices are high in Dallas this year, wait until NY hosts the SB (next year?).  NY is another planet when it comes to high prices.  If a NY team makes it to the game, hotels wont be a problem, ticket prices will.  NY fans seem to have tons of cash, or at least they are willing to spend lots of money on tickets, and I bet they will drive prices into the stratusphere, if the Jets or Giants make the SB when the game is in Giants/Jets stadium.  I hope one of the teams makes it to the SB in the home stadium!

SB 2012 is in Indy so I'd sure like the home team to be there! 

My company has a terrific suite at Lucas Oil Stadium where I've been fortunate enough to attend a few games, but our SB 2012 seats in there will be way above may pay grade   

Like it or not, SB is not about fans any more.  It's a corporate entertainment event and very wealthy or highly connected person's game. 

Fortunately, HDTV and a fridge 10 steps away works great for me!  I'm really looking forward to watching this one.  It will be a battle for sure.

[Letitroll98]

Lots of talk this AM about Cutler "tapping out".  Doesn't look like he was injured that badly, i.e. no ice bag, walking and talking just fine.  Multiple tweets from current and former players trashing him.  What's the thought's 'round here?

[jackman]

Lots of talk this AM about Cutler "tapping out".  Doesn't look like he was injured that badly, i.e. no ice bag, walking and talking just fine.  Multiple tweets from current and former players trashing him.  What's the thought's 'round here?

Jay is a strange bird and this is the first time I have ever questioned his toughness.  He took a beating this year and was sacked more than any QB (I believe).  He is also a big guy and didn't get hit that hard during yesterday's game.  Also, you are correct, he didn't have an ice pack or crutches or appear to be limping, which makes it easy to question his injury.  Initial reports out of Chicago is torn MCL.  Big deal!  Lots of players play with torn MCL, ACL is a different story.  Jay is no longer allowed to use the Men's locker room.  Just kidding.

Several players have stepped forward to speak on Jay's behalf, including Urlacher.  I'm less mad about Jay leaving because he played poorly from the start and more PISSED about Lovie putting in that washed up, never was good, clown Collins.  Caleb Haney should have been second string QB.  I would have loved to have seen him at the helm when the Bears had good field position after the Urlacher interception.  Collins was a joke, going 0/4 on passes and throwing two balls that should have been picked.  The "vet" looked more rattled than the rookie, Haney.  Also, I'm still pissed about that pathetic third and three call, the "trick" play that blew up in the Bears' faces.  Mike Martz should be fired immediately for his incompetence.  The game has passed him by and he needs to go away.  Very far away...adios.

Cheers,

Jack

PS - That Peppers hit on Rogers was no worse than the Troy Palomalo hit on Flaco last week.  Troy did not get flagged and was praised for his tough defense.  I am a HUGE fan of Troy but in the NFL it's not always how you hit that matters, it's WHO you hit.  If Peppers hit Mike Vick in a similar fashion, it would have just been a "good play".  Grrrrrr.

[Bigfish]

I would like to say congratulations to the Jets and to their fans for a great season.  As the Raven's Coach said in an interview on Sirius NFL last week only one team will be truly happy at the end of the season.  The Jets were better than 28 other teams and have a great, young team that promises to challenge in the AFC East for many years to come! 

Yes, I am happy the Steelers won the game and I realize it was very nice to be playing at home!

Ken

[goskers]

PS - That Peppers hit on Rogers was no worse than the Troy Palomalo hit on Flaco last week.  Troy did not get flagged and was praised for his tough defense.  I am a HUGE fan of Troy but in the NFL it's not always how you hit that matters, it's WHO you hit.  If Peppers hit Mike Vick in a similar fashion, it would have just been a "good play".  Grrrrrr.

The replay on the Pepper's hit clearly showed that he led with the crown of his helmet and connected on the side of the head.  This is a flag in today's game.  Do I like  it, no, but that doesn't matter now does it

The flag which I felt shouldn't have been thrown in that game was against Eric Smith where he just stood his ground versus the receiver coming across the middle.  He let up on the hit, didn't follow through with a forearm or shoulder. 

Just a couple of observations from a non-biased Nebraskan.

[soundbitten1]

Lots of talk this AM about Cutler "tapping out".  Doesn't look like he was injured that badly, i.e. no ice bag, walking and talking just fine.  Multiple tweets from current and former players trashing him.  What's the thought's 'round here?

After the game some of the Fox commentators (Bradshaw, Jimmy Jones) were ragging on Cutler for his lack of leadership abilities.

[jackman]

The replay on the Pepper's hit clearly showed that he led with the crown of his helmet and connected on the side of the head.  This is a flag in today's game.  Do I like  it, no, but that doesn't matter now does it

The flag which I felt shouldn't have been thrown in that game was against Eric Smith where he just stood his ground versus the receiver coming across the middle.  He let up on the hit, didn't follow through with a forearm or shoulder. 

Just a couple of observations from a non-biased Nebraskan.

Hey Goskers, good to hear from you.  Maybe I was less than objective with my comments...

Also, Mike Brown, a fellow Husker, was one of my favorite Bear defenders of all time.  That guy was the heart and leader of a great defense, #30!

[Dave G]

There are reports that Cutler has a torn MCL.  Does that change things?

[Berto]

I read Cutler had a sprained MCL and he went back in and only took himself out when he realized he could'nt plant.

He just had a awful day, he clearly missed a potential TD earlier in the game when he overthrew his reciever. Bears fans should be glad he got hurt, they seemed to have a better chance w/3rd stringer.

As far as that Eric Smith hit, I agree it should'nt of been a flag. Seems like anything remotely questionable against steelers at Heinz field draws a flag.  When a reciever comes across the field and the throw is far from perfect, you take the risk of your reciever being lit up, to me that IS part of the game. I realize they want to limit injury but it's not flag football.

[Bigfish]

I read Cutler had a sprained MCL and he went back in and only took himself out when he realized he could'nt plant.

The reports today are that Cutler has a torn MLC.  Lovie Smith claims that the doctors and trainer made the decision that Cutler could not play.  Cutler took nearly 60 sacks this year and demonstrated he was a tough player.  It is too bad his heart and leadership is being questioned.  What was he supposed to do, be happy that he had to leave the game and most likely the team lost their chances to go to the Superbowl? 

Ken

[nature boy]

Let's hope that the Steelers and Packers bring their "A" game on Superbowl Sunday.  It should be a real brawl if both teams play their best.

NB 

[Mark Korda]

Since this is the Audio Circle forum,did anyone pick up on Rex Ryan as the Jets last chance faded away Smash down his headphone set?What if they were Sennheiser 650's or Grados top of the line.I'll never lend him mine....Mark Korda

[Bigfish]

Since this is the Audio Circle forum,did anyone pick up on Rex Ryan as the Jets last chance faded away Smash down his headphone set?What if they were Sennheiser 650's or Grados top of the line.I'll never lend him mine....Mark Korda

I understood Rex's disgust as he thought he had the Steelers stopped and was going to get the ball back.  The first down pass to Brown effectively ended the game.  I must comment that I too wondered about the cost of those headphones!

[Berto]

It is too bad his heart and leadership is being questioned.  What was he supposed to do, be happy that he had to leave the game and most likely the team lost their chances to go to the Superbowl? 

Ken

I agree his heart and his leadership should not be questioned, esp if he went back out injured was just too hurt to play. But the way he was playing when healthy was not indicative of a QB that had a chance to take his team to the big dance.

[Rob Babcock]

I don't think you can blame their poor offense soley on Cutler.  The Bears simply don't have much talent on offense, particularly at wide receiver.  Combine that with the pathetic play of the O-line and I don't think Brady, Manning or Rodgers would do much better.  Maybe just by virtue of his size and durability Big Ben could make a better go if it, but just look how much more talent all of those guys have surrounding them.

[geezer]

It's amazing how so many people who had virtually no knowledge of Cutler's physical condition were ready in the blink of an eye to excoriate him; even fellow football players and "expert" commentators.

[jackman]

I don't think you can blame their poor offense soley on Cutler.  The Bears simply don't have much talent on offense, particularly at wide receiver.  Combine that with the pathetic play of the O-line and I don't think Brady, Manning or Rodgers would do much better.  Maybe just by virtue of his size and durability Big Ben could make a better go if it, but just look how much more talent all of those guys have surrounding them.

I wouldn't be too sure about that. Cutler missed some wide open receivers before he sprained his vag..., I mean his knee. He had decent protection yesterday, no receiver dropped an easy pass and there were open receivers all day.

The third string quarterback came in and moved the ball very well in the fourth quarter, behind the same line and throwing to the same receivers that Cutler could do nothing with. In previous games I would agree with your statement. Cutler took a beating all year and I don't blame bin for yesterday's loss. Something was wrong with him, even before he said he was injured.

If anyone is to blame it's the "genius" Martz for his poor judgment in making Collins second string and for poor play calling on the final third down play.  I would have cut Collins after the Giants game and played Haney as second string qb.

Cutler played his worst game ever yesterday. Getting hurt only makes it easier for the excuse makers.  Let's not forget the way he played before he was injured.

[jackman]

It's amazing how so many people who had virtually no knowledge of Cutler's physical condition were ready in the blink of an eye to excoriate him; even fellow football players and "expert" commentators.

I want to agree with you but it looked like Jay was happy to be out of that game. Someone like Big Ben would have put up a fight, IMO, in a similar sulituation. Either way, I was happy to see Jay pulled because he sucked from the minute he walked on to the field. Maybe he lacks the stones to play in big games. It's unfortunate they can't play Seattle every playoff game but eventually you have to beat a good team. The defense stepped up and held the heralded packer offense to 14 points, and shut them down in the second half.  I'm through making excuses for Cutler.

[Bigfish]

I want to agree with you but it looked like Jay was happy to be out of that game. Someone like Big Ben would have put up a fight, IMO, in a similar sulituation. Either way, I was happy to see Jay pulled because he sucked from the minute he walked on to the field. Maybe he lacks the stones to play in big games. It's unfortunate they can't play Seattle every playoff game but eventually you have to beat a good team. The defense stepped up and held the heralded packer offense to 14 points, and shut them down in the second half.  I'm through making excuses for Cutler.

I posted earlier that I attended the 1996 Superbowl.  At that game I watched a quarterback, Neil O'Donnel, who had a good season have a terrible game.  Former players and the media types claim the play-offs are games played at another level versus regular season.  It is easy to believe some quarterbacks handle play-off pressure better than others.  Big Ben played great in his second season in the play-offs and then had a terrible Superbowl.  He came back in his second Superbowl and won the game with the pass in the end zone to Holmes after leading the team all the way down the field.  The bottom line is that if I were a Bears fan I would not give up on Cutler.  He had a great season, has a tremendous arm and could lead the Bears to greatness next year.  However, I do think he needs some help in the offensive line.

Ken

[jimdgoulding]

I want to agree with you but it looked like Jay was happy to be out of that game. Someone like Big Ben would have put up a fight, IMO, in a similar sulituation. Either way, I was happy to see Jay pulled because he sucked from the minute he walked on to the field. Maybe he lacks the stones to play in big games. It's unfortunate they can't play Seattle every playoff game but eventually you have to beat a good team. The defense stepped up and held the heralded packer offense to 14 points, and shut them down in the second half.  I'm through making excuses for Cutler.

He was the lamest QB of the semi's, figuratively, too, seemed to me, tho in fairness I haven't checked his stats.